Air Conditioners

There are several types of Air Conditioners on the market today. The most popular type of AC unit in Australia is a Split System Air Conditioner (which can also be Reverse Cycle allowing them to heat or cool), however Window Wall and Portable Air Conditioners are available for different use cases too. All AC units work by sucking in the warm air of the room, refrigerating it then pushing the cooled air back into the room whilst expelling excess heat outside.

Split System ACs consist of two units connected by pipes. The indoor unit sucks warm air from the room and blows back cool air, whilst the outdoor unit refrigerates the air and vents heat. Whilst it requires professional Installation, Split System ACs are the quietest and the most energy efficient.

Window Wall and Portable AC units are the least expensive units to buy and can be self-installed. They are a great budget or temporary AC option for renters. Window ACs and some Portable ACs require an available window or opening to the outdoors to vent excess heat through.

To find the right air conditioner, consider your room's dimensions, ceiling height, and insulation. As a rule of thumb, small rooms (under 20m²) suit 2–2.5kW units, medium rooms (20–40m²) require 3.5–5kW, and large open spaces (over 40m²) generally need 6kW or more.

Always consider a professional assessment to verify the exact cooling load for your space.

Although the energy efficiency of individual models will vary, Split System Air Conditioners are generally the most energy efficient units around. These units also tend to be the most energy efficient options for Heating if they have a Reverse Cycle function. Window Wall Air Conditioners are less efficient but are still good at cooling or heating smaller rooms and spaces. Sadly, Portable ACs are not considered energy efficient at all.

There are many variables to consider when shopping for the most energy efficient AC unit. Dimensions of the room, how it's furnished, the size and orientation of windows and the unit, insulation, types of shades / curtains and local climate all play a role in determining how best to cool and heat a home.

Since April 2020, all Air Conditioners sold in Australia are rated using the Zoned Energy Rating Label (ZERL), which can be used to compare models of same or similar sizes and factors, across separate ratings for Heating & Cooling in various seasonal and regional climates.

Regularly cleaning an Air Conditioner is an easy and effective way to keep it running efficiently. All AC units come with an instruction manual either in the box or online that will describe how to take apart, clean and maintain the AC unit. Remember to always make sure that the power to the unit is switched off at the wall before any maintenance is undertaken.

All Air Conditioning units have a filter designed to trap dust and dirt from the air. If these become too dirty, they will begin to block airflow in the unit and may even become mouldy. Aim to clean the filters every few weeks when in use by simply taking them outside and shaking them off or using a Vacuum Cleaner. In heavy soiled cases, they can also be washed under the tap and left to air dry before reinstalling. Consider regularly wiping down the front grill and louvers and cleaning out any drains or pans if the unit doesn't freely drain.

Remember that the times of year when you most use your AC are also the busiest times for licensed AC maintenance. It's a good idea to check how the AC is running and book any necessary repairs in low use periods like Autumn and Spring before Summer and Winter hit.

Running costs depend on unit efficiency, usage hours, and electricity rates. Split systems consume approximately 0.8-2kW per hour, costing $0.20-0.50 hourly at average rates. Portable units use more power for equivalent cooling output, whilst vacuum cleaners for filter maintenance add minimal ongoing costs.

Split system units require licensed technician installation for refrigerant handling and electrical connections. Window wall and portable models allow self-installation but check manufacturer guidelines regarding power boards, which may void warranties on some portable units.